definition

Definition, specification of the meaning or, alternatively, conceptual content, of an expression. For example, “ period of fourteen days” is a definition of “fortnight”.

Definitions have traditionally been judged by rules like the following:
1. A definition should not be too narrow.
2. A definition should not be too broad.
3. The defining expression in a definition should exactly match the degree of vagueness of the expression being defined.
4. A definition should not be circular. If “desirable” defined good and good defines desirable, these definitions are circular.

Definitions fall into at least the following kinds:
Analytical definition
Contextual definition
Coordinative definition
Definition by genus and species
Definition in use
Explicit definition
Implicit definition
Lexical definition
Nominal definition
Ostensive definition
Persuasive definition
Précising definition
Prescriptive definition
Real definition
Recursive definition
Stipulative definition
Synonymous definition

Definiendum, the expression that is defined in a definition. The expression that gives the definition is the definiens. In the definition, Father, male parent, father is the definiendum, and male parent is the definiens.

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